What is a Physically Depleted Resource?

Question

That's my question...short definition please?

Answer 1

One that is mined and used up, non-renuable.  Think of coal.  Most coal was deposited before the days of the dinosaurs.  Viable coal seams for mining are limited.  Once that resource is used up, it is not going to grow back.  Even if the conditions were right it could take another 250 million years.

Answer 2

I am not sure...but it sounds like a good definition for my significant other!